Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor nonhematopoietic cells that have emerged as an attractive cell source for tissue engineering. Biglycan (BGN), an extracellular matrix component, has been reported to play a crucial role in bone formation. However, the role of BGN in MSCs remains unknown. Using lentiviral gene delivery, we sought to… (More)

Post-trauma elevation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) appears to be critical in mediating many symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), resulting in late mortality. Although increased monocyte (mphi) TNF-alpha production plays a pivotal role in this TNF-alpha elevation, the molecular mechanisms leading to increased mphi… (More)